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4/18/2006

Second Life Library 2.0

There's a new take on virtual library service and online programming that's being explored by the Illinois Alliance Library System and OPAL using the popular online virtual reality game Second Life.

"Alliance Library System and OPAL (Online Programming for All Libraries) are pleased to announce that selected OPAL programs will soon be offered in the online virtual reality game Second Life. Book discussions, training sessions, and other programs will be offered to current virtual residents. The goal of the project is to promote the real library and online library services to adults who might not otherwise use the library. What is Second Life? Second Life is a 3-D virtual world entirely built and owned by its residents. Since opening to the public in 2003, it has grown explosively and today is inhabited by nearly 200,000 people from around the globe. There are shopping malls, events, homes, lands of different types, and best of all, participants can contribute content, buildings, and other digital creations."

This project really sounds interesting and from my quick review of the Second Life Library 2.0 blog it looks like there is already quite a few programming opportunites in the works. The first opportunity is scheduled for this Friday:

Getting Along with IT staff for Librarians and EducatorsDate: Friday, April 21, 2006 Time: 8:00AM - 9:00AM (60 minutes) Pacific time, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Central time 11:00-12:00 am Eastern time Location: Juanita (217,241) and is FREE. All you need to do is get your Second Life Avatar before then. :)

1 comment:

Christie B.W.
said...

Something I discovered after I created a Second Life account is that if you are wanting to test out Second Life to access Library 2.0 on your staff PC you will need to ask your friendly neighborhood IT person, when they stop by your branch, to install it. It requires a software download to access the game interface. I downloaded it to my home PC and it worked fine. I think that this would have some interesting potential for reference once actual resources are available for avatars to browse like they do in an actual library. See you online!